The Martial Arts World is Full of Experts Chapter 66

169

Mei Leng'an returned to the banquet, more than two hours later.

He publicly claimed that Ke Xingwen's training exercises were too intense, fortunately without serious consequences. It just required some time for recovery. Those present were all people of the martial arts world. A young person's minor misstep in training was not a big deal. After Mei Leng'an drank three cups of wine as self-punishment, he continued toasting with everyone, creating a harmonious atmosphere. They naturally didn't dwell on it.

Zhang Xiaoyuan returned to his seat. The seats of Sikong Hao and the other two were now empty. Zhang Xiaoyuan felt a bit guilty, realizing that he not only triggered a conflict between husband and wife but might also ignite internal faction disputes within Sword Resentment Villa.

Lu Zhaoming had been waiting for him anxiously. Now that he saw him back, he almost wanted to grab his hand immediately and ask, "What happened? Where did you go just now?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt a headache.

Regarding Mei Leng'an, he could come up with some random fabrications to get by, but when it came to Eldest Senior Brother... he couldn't just lie carelessly again.

Fortunately, Zhang Xiaoyuan had already concocted a half-true, half-false story. He looked at Lu Zhaoming, forced a smile, and whispered, "Eldest Senior Brother, that day at the restaurant in Baicang City... I accidentally overheard some conversations."

Lu Zhaoming furrowed his brow. "What conversations?"

Glancing around discreetly, Zhang Xiaoyuan noted there were still others sharing their table. Speaking louder might risk others overhearing.

Zhang Xiaoyuan decided to act, reaching out to hook Lu Zhaoming's neck, pulling him down a bit to bring him closer. Then, leaning in close to Lu Zhaoming's ear, he whispered, "Lin Yi has connections with Heavenly Drizzle Pavilion."

Startled, Lu Zhaoming's eyes widened. He intended to turn his head, but with Zhang Xiaoyuan gripping his neck, he awkwardly bent his waist, feeling the damp warmth brushing against his ear. It tickled a bit, yet he was curious about what Zhang Xiaoyuan was about to reveal. He remained stiff, maintaining that posture, awaiting the continuation.

"I overheard them planning to target Elder Mei today, but I couldn't figure out their approach," Zhang Xiaoyuan said. "Just now, it hit me — they plan to spread rumors to tarnish Elder Mei's reputation."

Taking the opportunity, he seamlessly shared what he knew about Mei Leng'an and Lin Yi with Lu Zhaoming. He presented it as speculative guesswork, and Lu Zhaoming, though not suspicious, still appeared somewhat displeased.

After finishing his revelation, Zhang Xiaoyuan released his grip, letting out a sigh of relief.

With a serious expression, Lu Zhaoming, mindful of others eavesdropping, lowered his voice and warned, "If he learns everything, he'll surely retaliate against you."

The "he" he referred to was likely Lin Yi.

Zhang Xiaoyuan nodded while whispering, "He won't find out."

"There are no walls that don't let a breeze through," Lu Zhaoming frowned. "You're not allowed to do such things again in the future."

Zhang Xiaoyuan mumbled an ambiguous agreement, but another voice within him was speaking softly.

Sorry, Eldest Senior Brother.

He didn't want to be involved in such matters either...

But the money offered was just too much! Who could resist the temptation of that box of silver notes?

As Zhang Xiaoyuan and Lu Zhaoming conversed, Lin Yi intentionally or unintentionally asked Mei Leng'an, "Brother Mei, you mentioned earlier... is there something you want us to witness?"

Lin Yi wasn't foolish. When Ke Xingwen suddenly fainted, Lin Yi knew Ke Xingwen must have divulged everything he knew to Mei Leng'an. However, Lin Yi couldn't quite grasp the role of Wang Henian's silly disciple in this. He wondered if Mei Leng'an would still choose to announce his retirement today after Ke Xingwen confessed.

"I indeed have a matter that I'd like you all to witness," Mei Leng'an smiled faintly. "But there's no rush for it. Before that, let me keep you in suspense. We can discuss it after today's banquet."

After saying this, he returned to his seat. The curiosity of the crowd intensified, and discussions buzzed. Lin Yi, not knowing Mei Leng'an's intentions, playfully inquired after Mei Leng'an sat down, "Brother Mei, can you give me a hint? Teasing us like this, it truly makes one itch with curiosity."

Mei Leng'an: "With age, one must naturally arrange for matters behind them."

Lin Yi seemed to understand. He was about to ask more questions when Mei Leng'an unexpectedly interjected, "Brother Lin, have you ever considered the matter of the Purple Mist Tower's successor?"

Mei Leng'an's demeanor was gentle, seemingly casual, but Lin Yi was slightly taken aback, sensing that something was amiss.

Mei Leng'an wouldn't just randomly bring up such a topic.

Lin Yi chose his words carefully. "Naturally, it would be passed on to the sect's senior disciple."

"Brother Lin, as you can see, I'm getting older, and my memory is not what it used to be," Mei Leng'an smiled gently. "The disciple... is it Xiude or Hesong?"

Lin Yi's expression darkened slightly.

It seemed like in an instant, Lin Yi understood Mei Leng'an's implication.

With numerous disciples under his guidance, Lin Yi's current senior disciple was named Yan Hesong. He was relatively young and was originally the fifth disciple. However, the preceding senior brothers had met unfortunate ends one after another. According to the sect's hierarchy, it was now his turn.

Xiude, as mentioned by Mei Leng'an, was the unfortunate soul whom Lin Yi had killed and whose wife he had taken — Lin Yi's first senior disciple.

Mei Leng'an wouldn't bring up this matter without reason. There had to be a purpose behind his words.

Lin Yi furrowed his brows slightly, meeting Mei Leng'an's gaze, only to see Mei Leng'an give him a faint smile.

Lin Yi had already understood.

170

Lin Yi's expression darkened, and it remained so until the banquet's end. When Mei Leng'an announced that Lu Yanfeng would be the next sect master, Lin Yi didn't utter a word.

Zhang Xiaoyuan sensed that they didn't know how many cards Lin Yi still held. It would be unwise to easily expose Lin Yi's identity. Otherwise, if Lin Yi decided to confront them, divulging everything he knew about Mei Leng'an and Pei Wuluan, it would lead to a mutually destructive situation, which was an undesirable outcome.

At least for now, Lin Yi wanted to maintain his gentlemanly facade. They just needed to make Lin Yi understand that Mei Leng'an held leverage over him. Considering the pros and cons, Lin Yi would refrain from rash actions and wouldn't object to Mei Leng'an passing the leadership to Lu Yanfeng.

However, no one could predict if Lin Yi might devise some underhanded methods to retaliate against the Scattered Blossom Palace in the future. In this unique situation, the sect leadership couldn't be entrusted to Lu Yanfeng, the naive one. It was necessary to rely on Mei Leng'an for a while longer, at least until the Heavenly Drizzle Pavilion matter was resolved before discussing it further.

Lu Yanfeng, suddenly chosen as the successor, sat bewildered, staring at the applause from the crowd. He couldn't find words to say.

As for the matter between Mei Leng'an and Ke Xingwen, Zhang Xiaoyuan didn't want to and couldn't intervene.

Holding a heavy box of silver notes in his pocket, Zhang Xiaoyuan watched Lin Yi, whose head was almost covered by the blazing word "Fire," and suddenly felt the world was beautiful, his mood uplifted.

If his estimation was correct, the stack of silver notes Mei Leng'an gave him, at the very least, amounted to nearly a hundred. Buying good swords for Eldest Senior Brother or expanding the sect several times over shouldn't be a major issue.

Feeling in good spirits, he turned around to see Lu Zhaoming's somewhat displeased and cold expression.

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Well, perhaps he should postpone the matter of buying swords for Eldest Senior Brother.

Otherwise, if Eldest Senior Brother asked where the money for the swords came from, he might have a hard time explaining.

Zhang Xiaoyuan obediently stood up, returning to the courtyard with Eldest Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother.

Jiang Jianyu seemed disappointed that the drama he witnessed today wasn't lively enough. Meanwhile, Lu Zhaoming held Zhang Xiaoyuan's hand, apparently concerned that he might wander off again. Not even allowing Zhang Xiaoyuan to stay and observe the unfolding events, he pulled him back into the courtyard.

Following Lu Zhaoming's steps, Zhang Xiaoyuan observed Lu Zhaoming's tightly pursed lips, and felt a vague sense of unease. Eldest Senior Brother was likely upset.

It was only now that he realized, when Eldest Senior Brother asked him to promise not to do that again, he hadn't directly responded. He had just vaguely agreed without much thought. Perhaps Lu Zhaoming had been displeased since then. At that time, Zhang Xiaoyuan was busy eavesdropping on the conversation between Lin Yi and Mei Leng'an, unaware of Eldest Senior Brother's dissatisfaction. Now, he felt he should find a way to calm Eldest Senior Brother down.

Zhang Xiaoyuan cleared his throat and softly called, "Eldest Senior Brother... I know I was wrong..."

Lu Zhaoming paid no attention.

Jiang Jianyu, having known Lu Zhaoming for a longer time, quickly sensed Lu Zhaoming's anger — an uncommon occurrence. Over the years, he had witnessed this only a few times. Uncertain of Zhang Xiaoyuan's transgression, he hurriedly caught up with them, attempting to persuade, "Eldest Senior Brother, if it's just a minor mistake, a few words of reprimand should be enough."

Lu Zhaoming didn't speak.

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt anxious.

He had never seen Lu Zhaoming like this before. Considering that he only eavesdropped on a conversation and then informed Mei Leng'an about Lin Yi's actions, it shouldn't be a grave mistake. Eldest Senior Brother shouldn't be this upset, right?

Back in the courtyard, seeing no one else, Zhang Xiaoyuan, mustering courage, grabbed Lu Zhaoming's hand and sincerely apologized, "Eldest Senior Brother, I truly realize my mistake. I won't repeat it in the future. If I do, I'll... I'll..."

Contemplating his next words, he constantly signaled Jiang Jianyu with his eyes, hoping Second Senior Brother could intervene and help him.

Lu Zhaoming finally spoke, questioning directly, "Do you know how dangerous this situation is?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "I... I know..."

Seeking wealth amid danger — if the sect weren't so poor, he wouldn't have to take such risks to earn money for the sect!

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt unjustly treated.

Lu Zhaoming: "If you knew there was danger, why did you still proceed?"

Lu Zhaoming seemed about to lecture him when unexpectedly, Jiang Jianyu grabbed Zhang Xiaoyuan's arm, pulling his hand back and interjecting with a forced smile, "Eldest Senior Brother, Xiaoyuan is still young. Don't be too harsh on him."

Lu Zhaoming paused, took a deep breath, as if swallowing back the words he intended to say. He fell silent, turned away with hands behind his back. Zhang Xiaoyuan sensed lingering displeasure but also concern for him. Anxiously, he said, "Eldest Senior Brother, I really won't repeat it!"

Before his words settled, due to the previous struggle, the silver notes box in his arms had already lodged between his clothes. It swayed dangerously. He took a few hurried steps, accidentally stepping on Lu Zhaoming's shoe. Both stumbled for a moment. Lu Zhaoming instinctively reached out to steady Zhang Xiaoyuan. Despite his adept lightness skill, he felt something hitting his chest, and the next moment, a thud echoed as they hit the ground.

Jiang Jianyu: "Eldest Senior Brother! Xiaoyuan! Are you both—"

The box crashed to the ground, splitting into two halves, and the silver notes scattered all over with a rustling sound.

Jiang Jianyu's worried call got stuck in his throat. He stared blankly, asking, "Is... is everyone okay?"

Zhang Xiaoyuan: "......"

Lu Zhaoming: "......"

Zhang Xiaoyuan felt it.

Today, he was inescapably in trouble.